Desert Getaway: 4 days in Moab, Utah
Last updated in February 2024
If you're new to exploring Utah's natural wonders, I highly recommend starting your journey in Moab. The defining characteristic of this desert oasis is its close proximity to two spectacular national parks in the United States: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. This area is truly the epicenter of Utah's beauty. Experiencing it will, to say the least, leave you transformed.
Getting there:
If you're traveling by plane, the closest major airports are in Salt Lake City (SLC) and Las Vegas (LAS). The drive from Salt Lake City is 3.5 hours by car, and around 7 hours from Las Vegas.
Best time to visit:
While few things beat summer fun in the sun, the desert climate here does not make it an ideal time to visit during that period, as temperatures easily reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving you with the only desire to hug an AC unit during the day.
Late fall and early spring are your best bets for visiting. Temperatures average a comfortable 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and it isn’t as crowded during these seasons.
If you come during summer and want to avoid the heat, I recommend starting to explore at sunrise, taking a mid-day break, and then coming out again around 6 p.m. for more hiking and sightseeing.
What to do:
Start with the main attractions: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
At the entrance or visitor center of every national park in the USA, you can obtain a map and newsletter of the park with lots of helpful information. There, you will find details on all the trails and notable sights to see in the park.
Arches National Park, with its Martian-like landscape, transports visitors to an otherworldly realm. Driving through reveals the grandeur of red rock formations and massive arches. Yet, the true enchantment comes when exploring on foot. With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, towering spires, and balanced rocks, each step on the hiking trails reveals nature's artistry. From the iconic Delicate Arch to hidden gems, Arches National Park offers an unforgettable journey through extraordinary landscapes.
Must-See Landmarks:
# 1 stop: Double Arch (0.5 miles round trip), Windows (1-mile loop), and Turret Arch (right next to Windows - about 0.2 miles round trip back to the Windows trail). Another nearby attraction is Balanced Rock (0.3 miles round trip).
# 2 stop: Devil's Garden offers a full primitive loop spanning 6.8 miles, encompassing Navajo, Partition, Double O, Dark Angel, and Private Arches. If you're short on time but still want to experience Devil's Garden, consider visiting Landscape Arch (1.6 miles round trip) or Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch viewpoint on the same trail (1 mile round trip).
# 3 stop: Delicate Arch hike is a 3-mile round trip. I highly recommend planning this hike for sunrise or sunset to avoid the heat and to capture an awesome photo opportunity.
#4 stop: Tapestry Arch, Broken Arch, and Sand Dune Arch Loop is a 2.7-mile hike.
Canyonlands National Park offers miles of stunning landscapes, captivating canyons, and breathtaking views of the Colorado River. This expansive park is divided into several districts, each located 1-2 hours away from one another. The districts include The Needles, The Maze, and The Island in the Sky. Each district offers its own unique terrain and attractions, providing visitors with diverse opportunities for exploration and adventure amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Canyonlands National Park.
Must-See Landmarks:
#1 stop: Dead Horse Point Overlook (because it is epic and easily accessible). Also, Shafer Canyon Overlook is only 6 minutes away.
#2 stop: Island in the Sky District - Mesa Arch (0.5 miles round trip), Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, Buck Canyon Overlook.
#3 stop: Needles District: Roadside Ruin (0.3 miles), Cave Spring (0.6-mile loop), Wooden Shoe Arch overlook, Pothole Trail (0.6 miles), Big Spring Overlook, and Slickrock Foot (2.4-mile loop).
Pro Tip: If you have the chance, mix up your activities for one of your days in Moab. Consider choosing an adventure activity for this desert playground, such as off-roading, mountaineering, rafting, mountain biking, and more.
Where to stay:
Where you stay can make or break the overall joy of your trip. That said, Moab has several great hotel options that cater to all types of budgets. Here's one of the most comfortable places I stayed at (and it won’t break the bank).
Condo-style boutique hotel with industrial design.
When it comes to lodging, comfort and cleanliness are my top priorities. But when these essentials are complemented by stylish decor and thoughtful details, it elevates the entire experience and leaves a lasting impression, making me eager to recommend it to friends and family.
Moab Flats immediately felt like home to me. The spacious interior exudes coziness and warmth. It features a fully equipped kitchen with every cooking essential imaginable, including a dishwasher for convenience. A notable bonus was the in-unit washing machine and dryer. Additionally, USB ports are conveniently located throughout the apartment for easy device charging.
It felt like every possible need a tourist might have while staying there was thought of and addressed. As someone who travels frequently, I am most grateful for accommodations like this.
Purple Sage
Boho-style condos in the heart of Moab.
Staying in unique places while traveling truly enhances the experience. Purple Sage was one of these extraordinary accommodations that left a positive impression on me and made my stay in Moab even more special.
The vibrant and colorful boho design, spacious layout, and thoughtful amenities provided everything I needed for a comfortable stay. From the well-equipped kitchen to the cozy living area, every detail was carefully considered.
Additionally, the property features a large hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking, as well as a fire pit, BBQ grill, picnic tables, and even bicycles to explore the area. Just thinking about this place makes me want to return!
Enjoy your desert adventure!
Let's rock'n'roam,
Polina
